Easy Baked Shrimp Scampi Recipe | Irresistible & Quick

Introduction

Have you ever craved a restaurant-quality shrimp dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes? Many home cooks shy away from seafood recipes, fearing they’ll be either too complicated or end up rubbery and overcooked. But what if you could enjoy a delicious, buttery shrimp meal that’s both effortless and impressive? This easy baked shrimp scampi recipe is the perfect solution. It’s quick, flavorful, and guarantees tender, succulent shrimp every time. Plus, baking the shrimp means less mess and more time to savor your meal!

Ingredients List

To create this irresistible baked shrimp scampi, gather the following ingredients:

– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-on for presentation)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (substitute with olive oil or vegan butter for dairy-free)
– 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or bottled lemon juice)
– ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a touch of heat)
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
– ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Dietary Alternatives:

– For a lower-fat recipe, reduce butter and use more lemon juice and herbs.
– Substitute shrimp with scallops or firm white fish for variety.
– Use gluten-free bread crumbs or skip cheese if you need a gluten-free or dairy-free dish.

Timing

– Preparation Time: 10 minutes – chopping garlic, prepping shrimp, and mixing the buttery sauce.
– Cook Time: 8–10 minutes – until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
– Total Time: About 20 minutes.

This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick, flavorful dish but don’t want to compromise on taste or nutrition. The aroma of garlic and butter melting together in the oven will fill your kitchen with a warm, comforting scent that’s almost as delightful as the finished dish itself.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Shrimp

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the shrimp in a single layer in a shallow baking dish. Patting shrimp dry with paper towels ensures the buttery sauce clings to each piece, promoting even cooking.

Chef’s Tip: Use a rimmed baking sheet for easy cleanup and better heat circulation.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This blend creates the classic scampi flavor that’s rich yet bright with lemon tang.

Chef’s Tip: For an extra zing, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture.

Step 3: Toss and Coat Shrimp

Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the shrimp. Use a spoon or your hands to coat each shrimp generously, making sure they’re bathed in the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley evenly on top to enhance aroma and color.

Step 4: Bake the Shrimp

Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Shrimp cook quickly—when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape, they’re perfectly done. Avoid overbaking to keep them juicy and tender.

Chef’s Tip: If you like, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the shrimp in the last 2 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt slightly and add a savory crust.

Step 5: Serve with a Zest

Once out of the oven, let the shrimp rest for a minute or two. Garnish with an extra squeeze of lemon juice and a handful of parsley for freshness.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

– Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
– Protein: 25g
– Fat: 11g (mostly from butter)
– Carbohydrates: 2g
– Fiber: 0.5g
– Sodium: Variable depending on added salt and cheese
– Rich in Vitamin B12, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids

This dish balances lean protein and heart-healthy fats while being low in carbs, making it a great option for keto, paleo, or low-carb diets.

Healthier Alternatives

For a nutrient boost or to tailor this shrimp scampi more to your dietary needs, consider:

– Replacing butter with extra virgin olive oil to reduce saturated fat.
– Adding finely chopped spinach or kale to the baking dish for added greens.
– Using fresh lemon zest for more vitamin C and a brighter flavor.
– Incorporating whole wheat or gluten-free pasta on the side for a more filling meal.
– Swapping Parmesan for nutritional yeast in vegan adaptations.

Serving Suggestions

This baked shrimp scampi pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and seasonal ingredients:

– Serve over a bed of linguine or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
– Accompany with garlic bread or crusty sourdough to soak up the buttery sauce.
– Toss with freshly tossed salad featuring arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
– For a summer vibe, plate with grilled asparagus or roasted corn.
– Garnish with a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick or fresh basil for an herbaceous flourish.

If you want to make the meal more festive, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio will complement the bright lemon and seafood flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

– Overcooking shrimp: Shrimp become tough and rubbery when overbaked. Watch the clock closely; 8-10 minutes is usually sufficient.
– Skipping the drying step: Wet shrimp won’t brown or absorb the flavors as well.
– Under-seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt, lemon, and herbs. They elevate the shrimp naturally.
– Crowding the pan: If shrimp overlap, they will steam instead of bake, resulting in a less crispy texture.
– Using low-quality shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp deliver the best flavor and texture.

Storing Tips

– Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
– To reheat, gently warm shrimp in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or butter—avoid microwaving, which can dry them out.
– The garlic butter sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and reused within 2 days.
– Avoid freezing cooked shrimp scampi to preserve the delicate texture.

Conclusion

This dish proves that seafood can be both quick and luxurious without complicated steps or obscure ingredients. With its buttery garlic sauce and tender shrimp, it’s a versatile recipe that suits weeknights or special occasions. Ready to captivate your taste buds? Give this simple shrimp scampi a try and share your experience in the comments below or subscribe for more easy, mouthwatering recipes!

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw shrimp thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry before baking. This prevents excess moisture and uneven cooking.

Q2: What’s the best way to devein shrimp?
Use a paring knife or shrimp deveiner tool to make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein with the tip. It’s quick and enhances the shrimp’s texture and taste.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the shrimp and sauce in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for quick dinners.

Q4: Is there a non-dairy option for the butter?
Yes, olive oil or vegan butter alternatives work wonderfully and still deliver rich flavor.

Q5: How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Add cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced bell peppers, or spinach to the baking dish before cooking for extra nutrients and color.

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Enjoy diving into this easy baked shrimp scampi recipe that’s both quick and packed with flavor. For more seafood inspiration, check out our Garlic Butter Salmon or Lemon Herb Tilapia recipes. And if you want to upgrade your kitchen skills, don’t miss our Essential Seafood Cooking Tips guide!